Chapter 9 Avery
avery
Parties aren’t my thing. The music is too loud. The alcohol flows too easily and many, many stories come from nights like these where Omegas try things that they then regret later. Alphas get a little too much and end up being reprimanded or removed from the academy altogether.
I’m much more comfortable in my little bubble, in my dorm room or at home. But Declan wants me here and I’m hoping that I can convince him to leave sooner than later because I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing here.
Milo stays close to me for my sanity, his eyes running around the room like he’s about to follow his own bit of excitement the first chance he gets. “There!” Milo points toward the kitchen.
A few of the esports team members are near the kitchen, their black and hot pink merch standing out.
Sienna’s there, hanging all over them like she’s the team mascot, her blonde hair tossing as she laughs too loud.
She’s practically glued to Declan, her hand on his arm, my jealousy flaring in my chest.
“Easy, tiger,” Milo says, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “She’s trying too hard. You can clearly see on Declan’s face how uncomfortable he is. Go steal your step-bro.” Milo throws me a wink before pushing me toward the kitchen and then taking off toward his brother.
I blow out a heavy breath, my hands twisting in front of me just as Declan whispers something to Sienna and she bounds off.
She clips my shoulder and I swallow nervously, not sure if I should just barge in, say hi, or ask what he told Sienna.
I decide for the easiest option and just approach him, my heart in my throat, my nerves on edge, and my scent spiked dangerously sweet.
“Hi-I,” I stutter.
Declan’s smile widens as he drags me into his side and ruffles my curls with his free hand. “There’s my little step bro. Didn’t think you’d show up. How’s a drink sound?”
I frown up at him, wondering what’s gotten into him when I realize that he’s found a way to touch me without making everyone notice. “Just something small?”
“Shot it is then,” he says before leaning a bit closer, the next words just for me. “I have a feeling you’re a bit wild when you let go, pretty boy.”
My entire body shudders as he yells for a shot, everyone in the general vicinity shouting ‘shots, shots, shots’ until I’m handed a hot pink cup with a generous serving of clear alcohol.
One sniff and I know it’s tequila. This night is either going to be amazing or horrendous.
My lip turns up in disgust as I raise it to my lips, a small whimper slipping out just as Declan hands me another cup. Same color. Same clear liquid.
When he takes my original cup and downs it, I just glare at him before sniffing my new cup and realizing it’s water. He wiggles his brows at me, pointing to my drink. “Drink up, Avery! It’s a party!”
I do as I’m told, warmth filling my chest as I realize he’s watching out for me.
There’s three more ‘shots’ like that until Declan leaves my side and one of his friends all but feeds me a glass of whiskey.
I sputter through it, tears glazing my eyes as the liquid burns my throat, the cup clutched into my hands.
Suddenly, I no longer want to be here anymore.
I was safe tucked into Declan’s side but now? I’m in the middle of a pack of wolves and when someone asks me about the auction night, I don’t know what to do.
So, I just leave.